entrench
verb
en·trench
in-ˈtrench
en-
variants
or less commonly intrench
entrenched also intrenched; entrenching also intrenching; entrenches also intrenches
1
a
: to place within or surround with a trench especially for defense
… Allied troops entrenched themselves on the Normandy beach …—Andrea Stone
b
: to place (oneself) in a strong defensive position
… a ruling clique's desire to … entrench itself against shifts in public opinion.—Henry Olsen
c
: to establish solidly
entrenched themselves in the business
… social reforms which the government is trying to entrench.—Michelle Grattan
2
: to cut into : furrow
specifically
: to erode downward so as to form a trench
1
: to dig or occupy a trench for defensive purposes
2
: to enter upon or take over something unfairly, improperly, or unlawfully : encroach
—used with on or upon
entrench upon a person's rights
Cite this Entry
“Entrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrench. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.
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